Plymouth researcher makes key contribution to David Attenborough’s film about the ocean
A researcher affiliated to the University of Plymouth and the Marine Biological Association has played a vital role in helping to create key sequences for the new film Ocean with David Attenborough, and ensuring its scientific accuracy.
Dr Bryce Stewart, an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow, worked with filmmakers from the production companies Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios to film sequences of scallop dredging.
They showcased a carefully controlled study designed to better understand and help mitigate the effects of dredging – one of the UK’s most valuable fisheries – on the seabed and marine life.
Dr Stewart’s contributions also included advising on the film’s script and fact-checking the scientific content, ensuring the accuracy of its portrayal of critical marine issues.
As part of his involvement, Dr Stewart and colleagues at the MBA worked closely with the production team to ensure the film presented an authentic and scientifically sound depiction of marine life, highlighting vital environmental challenges and the need for conservation efforts.
Dr Stewart said: “It was a huge honour to work on the film Ocean with David Attenborough, and I had the privilege of helping film some of the scenes and advising on the script. The film is stunningly beautiful while being highly confronting at times. However, it ends with a message of hope – that is, if you properly protect marine ecosystems and manage human activities sustainably, then the ocean can bounce back at an astonishing rate. Achieving that balance and recovery is the focus of my research at Plymouth.”
The film was released in cinemas worldwide, and will be available for streaming globally on National Geographic and Disney+ from June 8, in celebration of World Ocean Day.
More information about the film, and the cinemas where it is being shown, can be found at https://www.oceanfilm.net/.
Sir David Attenborough (Picture courtesy of Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios)